Essential Oils For Sleep And Anxiety

Are you struggling to sleep and are looking for some natural remedies to help you relax? It has in fact been scientifically proven that more and more people nowadays are struggling to sleep. This is commonly due to the stress increase in daily lives and the influx of social media and technology on our systems. Sure, there are many medical treatments which can help with this, but often, they fill your body with unnatural chemicals which can prove too strong to be effective. Luckily, nowadays, there is a strong push towards the promotion of essential oils for sleep, stress and anxiety.

But, do essential oils really work? Well, the truth is, it depends on the person. However, if you want help falling asleep naturally, there’s no harm in looking at our essential oil guide and giving it a try! For more about the best essential oils for sleep and relaxation, keep reading here at oneHOWTO.

Essential oils for sleep and relaxation

So first, you may be wondering: what are essential oils? Essential oils, also known as volatile oils or etheral oils, are natural oils (concentrated hydrophobic liquid) which are a result of plant distillation.

Nowadays there have been many studies which promote the benefits of essential oils on our bodies. Many of these studies focus on how these aromatherapy oils can affect us and help our sleep. These natural products act by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is predominantly in charge of relaxation and rest. Therefore, by stimulating this part of the nervous system, one can relax and sleep well.

A study carried out by Angela S. Lillehei and Linda L. Halcon and called "A Systematic Review of the Effect of Inhaled Essential Oils on Sleep"[1], focuses on the effects on inhaling essential oils. This study concludes that the inhalation of essential oils can be considered an appropriate treatment for people with mild to medium sleep problems.

The aromas of these essential oils, thanks to the microparticles that they possess aid, in treating anxiety, stress and depression. In another study by William N. Setzer and called "Essential oils and anxiolytic aromatherapy"[2] he claims that various oils have been successfully used in treatments for sleep problems, anxiety, stress and depression. So, what are the best essential oils to diffuse for sleep? Keep reading to find out!

If you are looking to use aromatherapy to help you sleep deeply, these natural products have been proven to help! If your sleep problems are serious, natural remedies such as these are not likely to function alone. If you suffer from severe insomnia, consult your doctor about which natural product options they can recommend to help you sleep peacefully. For more, we recommend taking a look at; How to Know If You Have Insomnia: Acute or Chronic.

Additionally, you may be wondering what are the best essential oils to diffuse for sleep?

Essential oils for sleep aid: lavender

Lavender essential oil is known to be incredibly helpful in aiding sleep and decreasing anxiety. A study by Phytotherapy Research called "Studies on the mode of action of the essential oil of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia P. Miller"[3], carried out by M. Lis-Balchin and S Hart, promotes the benefits of lavender essential oil. This study concludes that, inhaling lavender essential oil for sleep is incredibly relaxing. In addition, it is also spasmolytic, which means that it calms or reduces spasms and convulsions, which occur in muscles when nervous. Such spasms deter one from relaxing fully and therefore hinders sleep.

The best way to use lavender essential oil to sleep is through inhalation:

Add between 15 and 30 drops of this natural oil into a diffuser or air freshener. Turn it on during the transition between afternoon and night, giving it sufficient time to act.

Another option is to massage yourself with a few drops of this essential oil mixed with olive or vegetable oil. Put a little olive oil in the palm of your hand with two added drops of lavender oil. Massage into your chest area, hands, arms, shoulder and back.

Essential oils for sleeping: chamomile

Chamomile, otherwise known as Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), is commonly known to promote relaxation and sleep. This natural herb product is recommended for people who suffer from restlessness and running thoughts. Do you struggle to relax your mind at night? Well, Chamomile might be the essential oil for you! In addition, it is suitable for children who cannot fall asleep, or that wake up throughout the night.

To relieve insomnia and fall asleep naturally inhale chamomile in these recommended ways;

Apply the oil by massaging your skin at night before going to bed. It is important that you do it in parts such as the shoulders, arms and chest.

Add between 15 and 25 drops into your diffuser and place it in your room.

Essential oil to help you sleep: orange oil

There are many beneficial properties of orange oil. Orange oil is one of the most recommended essential oils in aromatherapy when it comes to cases of hyperactivity, stress or anxiety.

You can take orange oil orally or inhale it, for example;

Orange oil by mouth: dilute 2 drops of orange essential oil in a little olive oil and take it in the morning to help you relax.

Orange oil by inhalation: add between 10 and 20 drops in a diffuser in the evening, a few hours before going to sleep. It is equally effective when applied to the skin, as well as applying a drop or two on each wrist.

Other oils made from citrus fruits have a similar effect, specifically mandarin essential oil. If you want to know more about these citrus essential oils, you will love our article on; Essential Oils For Rejuvenation.

Essential oil blend for sleep

And better yet, if you are wanting a deeper shut-eye you can opt for blending two or more essential oils together! The best essential oil blends for sleep include:

Valerian and lavender.

Sandalwood and sage.

Lavender and orange.

Bergamot and chamomile.

Frankincense and lavender.

Help, I can’t sleep!

If you struggle to sleep and you find that you still need some more tips, take a look at our following articles where we discuss how to sleep better:

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Essential Oils For Sleep And Anxiety, we recommend you visit our Mental health category.

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